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Problems with 99 VW Passat GLS
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Comments
For a MUCH larger sampling of Passat owner experiences, check out www.vwvortex.com and www.clubb5.com.
In 4.5 years, the only time my Accord had seen the inside of the dealership after purchase was for the scheduled maintenance. (I am a firm believer that one must follow the manufacturers recommended maintenance) I never, repeat NEVER had a problem with my Accord. I only changed the oil and did the maintenance. Whether that is luck or not, this is my only means of comparison.
In exactly 2 years I've owned my Passat, it has been back to the dealer a record 10 times. It feels like I've had a loaner Jetta longer than my Passat. Now, this includes the scheduled maintenance in those 10 visits, however I was never able to bring in the Passat to get an oil change without having them fix a problem also. It was actually an annoyance because it was such an inconvenience to bring the Passat in, they would ask me to wait to have the problem fixed at the next oil change, unless it was major.
The major problems I experienced in the past 2 years are: (Not in order)
1) Spacers removed
2) Drivers power window button failure
3) Replace sunroof door because window was off the track and ruined the felt door flap.
4) Temperature gauge malfunction.
5) Check engine light.
6) Blown baring in the engine (complete engine failure).
7) Replaced ignition coil.
Problems they are unable to detect:
1) Vibration in the dash (Drivers Side)
2) Vibration in the steering column (I found this one, that I will have them fix next time I'm in).
I'm at 23K miles and I'm about to schedule my last warranty visit. I am scared to find out what the future brings as far as problems and what it is going to cost me.
Now that I have extinguished the issues, lets talk about the good times.
This car looks HOT! It drives like a typical German masterpiece. It handles beautifully, gets great gas mileage and is very fast. From what was written above, it would sound like I hate y car, but I don't. I actually love it and would recommend it to my friends. It sounds crazy, but you can't get a greater car for that price. It blows away all its competition in its price range. A lot of you might think this entire message is one huge contradiction, however this is my opinion and I'm entitled to it.
Another thing, It's impossible to get very upset when your dealership is SOOOOO customer focused. They bend over backwards for me and I really appreciate it. Also, I was able to express all of my concerns on the multipage questionnaire VW sent to all owners. I was able to scream, so to speak, at them without having to invole my dealership.
Has anyone ever had this problem or did we get "the lemon"? Also, do I have any rights regarding a new vs. rebuilt engine, or is this typical of warranties? Are rebuilt as good as new as VW has told me they are?
I also forgot to include an oil leak in my engine at 3k. They had to replace the head gasket also.
Also, I must say the dealer is doing their best considering all of the problems--cannot blame them. It is VW I take issue with giving us a defective new engine at new then a defective rebuilt engine at 11K.
OK, I just got off the phone with my VW service manager. Just like I suspected, his response was that you're probably better off with a rebuilt new engine anyway. He says to treat it like its's brand new, meaning, it has to be broke in like the original. Also, it will come with the 10/100k warranty to original owner. I'm sure you heard the same thing. He also wouldn't answer my question directly, if replacing with re-built is normal practice. They sure are smooth with their answers.
If you got your VW questionnaire, please fill it out and tell them your problems and opinions. If enough of us do that, they might actually listen.
Thanks for the response, it is helpful.
We have not gotten the questionnaire, but certainly this whole issue will be covered.
One postscript-- I just picked up the car from the dealer. When I turned the ignition, the fuel light went on. Turns out they ran the car out of gas when they "tested" the car after installation of the new haed gasket (let it run "for hours" they told me.) And, they had the guts to suggest I fill out the questionnaire favorably (after rushing to get me gas). Amazing!
Needless to say, my wife and I have commenced looking for a new auto-- not VW. It's a shame because the Passat looks great and drives well when its on the road, but the rest speaks for itself.....
The crazy thing about our experience though is that I would buy another one of these cars. No, I am not sadistic. I have been treated so well at two separate dealerships that I would go back to either one. My wife and I still love the way the car drives (although at 40k we already need new tires (I get them rotated every 5-8k.)
All the problems that I mentioned above were fixed under the normal waranty or the extended waranty that I thank God I purchased. I would recommend to anyone thinking about buying a Passat to get the enxtended waranty.
1. Driver seat was left unattached (noticed after I was ejected into the backseat while driving) from factory-hmmm...can we say safety issue
2. sunroof tracks fell off
3. seat track covers fell off
4. flat spare tire
5. rear cup holder broken
6. passenger door switch fell off
7. new transmission @ 25,000
8. currently need new control arms after noticing loud cracking (squeaky bed springs) in front passenger side- tech said there was no lubrication at the joint!
9. cant get parts! always on back order
Manish
Could that be it?
Manish
Manish
Are rust spots on the disc brakes a good enough reason to change the disc brakes of a 5 day old car ? I mean i bought the car 5 days ago and the dealer changed my brakes because of some minor rust spots. The car doesnt drive the same way as earlier as the factory setting has been disturbed.
M
Thanx for the info. When you are saying that the brakes need to bed in, will they tighten up by themselves. I always thought that after driving for a little while the brakes usually loosen up a little. Im experiencing a feeling as if the brakes do not jam the wheels when i apply them.. even to get the car to a complete halt i have to really exert more pressure on the peddle than before. the service guy told the same thing that i should drive for 100 so miles and see if they come to normal.. im thinking that the service guy feels that my brakes are really tight. well the case is quite the opposite. well anyways im gonna hold on till another 130 miles or so and see if that makes any diff..
well thanx again for your inputs. I was in VT during thanksgiving skiing up in Stowe.. nice place.
M
I know that when I first got my car, the brakes felt a bit less linear then they do now. They would grab less in the first 1/2 or so of the pedal travel, then REALLY grab in the bottom. Now it is much more linear, the harder I push, the more they grab. It took a good 150-200 miles to get over the "grabbyness." I know this is something you need to do when you replace pads later in the life of the car too.
The brakes on my car are the best I have ever had, far better then my Hondas were. I have had to slam them on a couple of times and they pull me down FAST.
Give it some time and see how it feels. If it is still screwy after a couple of hundred miles, go back to the dealer and make them fix it. If your dealership stinks (and many do) then try another. I have a great dealership here, but it is not my local one, for good service, it is worth the trip to me.
Above all, try and stay positive, it sounds like you are really getting down on your car right now, understandably. You have a warranty, if something doesn't work, get it fixed, if they do it wrong, make them do it again. Be firm and polite and you will get it done right.
Don't let a few teething problems sour the next 4-5 years for you.
Enjoy! :-)
M
Please try to describe what you mean when you say your brake pedal is loose. Maybe you should take a test drive in an identical car at the dealership to confirm that your brakes do in fact feel diferent. I you find this to be true, then MAKE the service advisor do the same and MAKE them remedy the problem. Brakes are an all important safety feature and if you are uncomfortable with how yours are feeling, or working, then you shouldn't be driving the car at all.
One other thing...at some point my friend you will have to trust your mechanic. If they give the car a thourough check and find that everything is OK, all systems are operating at 100%, etc, then you need to stop fretting and get on with other things. Constant worrying will get you no where but sick, you know.
Keep us posted! :-)
Thanks
Since this conference is dedicated to discussing maintenance and repair issues of cars already purchased, this is probably not the best place for your question.
Have you had a chance to look through our Sedans conference? There are quite a few topics over there discussing the Passat, and also comparing it to other vehicles in (and not so in) its class.
You can click on that link to go to the Sedans conference and check out all the topics there. Or you can key Passat into the Topic Search feature on the left side of this page to get a list of all topics throughout Town Hall discussing this vehicle.
Whatever your decision, if you have any maintenance or repair issues after your purchase, please come back to this conference and tell us about them. We'll try to help!
Good luck.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
I'd appreciate any info on this.
charge was $217, included front alignment.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
fff_release - glad you got it figured out and thanks for sharing the solution. What a pain! Good luck getting it resolved.
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
40 registered users in the first month.
90,000 hits the first month. Read problems with new VWs and my Jetta lemon.
Prospective buyers, what ever you do, don't go with cloth unless the material's changed since the '99 model. This type of cloth has the amazing ability to collect lint. I'm almost at the point where I'll ban all passengers wearing different colored clothing than the seat color.
The other day, I opened the left rear door and found that the apparently loose rear door moulding got caught in the front door and was nearly severed off. What's that worth for a 20 month old, 27,000 mile, out of warranty car? Another $150. Should VW absorb this cost? I think so. But I also think they owe me a right side mirror that's big enough to see out of. One of these days I'm going to hit someone! Maybe I should just pay the $300 asking price.
Has anyone else experienced loose door mouldings?
#0 of 0: rattling front passanger seat-please help (opus4) Thu 04 May '00 (06:43 PM)
My 99 Passat GLX has developed a rattle coming
from the passenger side seat. It rattles unless
the road is glass smooth. Overwise, everything
else worked well. I took it to the dealership,
but they can't seem to figure the problem. Any
ideas? Does anyone have this problem and how was
it solved? Thanks.
Anybody have any thoughts for opus4?
Pat
Community Leader/Maintenance & Repair Conference
after drving it for three days, i now feel the acceleration is not what i expected this car should give me if use the auto drive "D". pushing the gas paddle too much can feel a little bit shaking of engine. when using the "tiptronic" (12345), accelerates better. it becomes very powerful at high speed, say >40mph, goes realy smooth and fast.
i used to drive V6 car, and i dont know much about the mechnics of car, and dont understand too much about the relation between acceleration and engine rotation speed, etc. is it because of the rotation speed is too low? or something elsel? or the 1.8T passat naturely has such problem.
please contact me: ma.68@osu.edu. thank you.
another question: do you think i should talk to the dealer to change for another one? i already paid the downpay, and sign the contract. but it's just three days so far.